Russian Hero: 1949 Grand National Winner

In 1949 Aintree racehorse took a change of ownership as Tophams Ltd brought the track from Lord Sefton. For years the Topham’s had been associated with the Grand National (Topham was one of the original handicappers) and now they owned the track, picking it up for £275,000.

Lord Mildmay rode the favourite Cromwell, but the win would go to Russian Hero, who was one of 22 horses listed at a mouth watering 66/1! The 9 year old gelding was by Peter the Great our of Logique. Before the race the George Owen trained horse was considered a patchy jumper whose ideal distance was a mile and a half!

After the National the horse would never win another race, though the owner probably did not mind as Mr Williamson had placed a pre race wager of £10 at 300/1!